Xbox LIVEhttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/10203/all
enE3 2012: Why Xbox's Announcements Matter for Apple Fanshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/e3_2012_why_xboxs_announcements_matter_apple_fans
<!--paging_filter--><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I didn't go to E3 (so&nbsp;<a href="http://losangeles.craigslist.org/search/ppp?query=e3&amp;catAbb=mis&amp;srchType=A&amp;minAsk=&amp;maxAsk=" target="_blank">none of these Missed Connections</a>&nbsp;are me!), but I did get a sit-down with Microsoft's Xbox team to check out the<a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/e3" target="_blank">new announcements</a>&nbsp;they made at the show. (<a href="http://www.gamesradar.com/microsoft-e3-press-conference-wrap-up/" target="_blank">Our pals from GamesRadar were there, of course.</a>) And I came away both excited about Microsoft's plans, especially the new SmartGlass app coming to iOS -- and tantalized by how Apple could pull off similar feats if and when they finally get around to releasing&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maclife.com/tags/itv_0" target="_blank">their own "iTV" solution</a>&nbsp;for home entertainment.</p><p><img src="/files/u18/2012/06/0608-xbox-smartglass1-600.jpg" width="600" height="354" /></p><p><strong>SmartGlass will soon let you control your Xbox from your iPad -- and get bonus content too.</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/smartglass" target="_blank">Xbox SmartGlass</a> will launch in Q4 for Windows 8, Windows Phone, Android, and iOS. Think of it like a combination of the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/remote/id284417350?mt=8" target="_blank">Remote</a> app for iOS that lets you control your Apple TV and iTunes from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tivo/id401673976?mt=8" target="_blank">TiVO</a> app <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/tivo_ipad_app_review" target="_blank">we reviewed a while back</a> that shows you extra info about what you're watching. Only Microsoft's interpretation is much, much slicker.&nbsp;</p><p>SmartGlass connects to your Xbox 360 and lets you use the touchscreen as the remote control, tapping and swiping intuitively to find what you want and make it play. But if the movie or TV show you're watching has bonus content, the app will also display it in real time on your tablet as you watch. One example I saw was a really cool interactive map of the <em>Game of Thrones</em> universe, that automatically moves as the show plays, so I can keep up with where the action is taking place. And the other example was blurbs of information that appeared while watching <em>School of Rock</em> -- I could see who's on screen at any time and tap to find out more about those actors (the ol' "Hey, it's that guy!" reaction that sends me to <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imdb-movies-tv/id342792525?mt=8" target="_blank">the IMDb app</a> while I'm watching TV now), and when songs played in the movie, I could see what they are, that kind of thing. It reminded me about the <a href="http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Enhanced_episodes" target="_blank">"enhanced episodes" of LOST</a> (you know, those pop-up reruns?), only without the annoyance factor, since the extra info is on your tablet instead of your TV screen. It's neat, and I hope Apple takes notice.</p><p><img src="/files/u18/2012/06/0608-xbox-windows8-600.jpg" width="600" height="339" /></p><p><strong>Xbox's offerings have a Metro look on Windows 8. No word on Mac versions just yet.</strong></p><p>Xbox announced new content partners, too, including Nickelodeon, Rhapsody, Comedy Central, Paramount, and Univision, which is both exciting for Xbox and hopefully a sign that we're reaching a tipping point when content providers <em>have</em> to look at streaming models to stay relevant, rather than sticking with the cable/satellite subscription model that's so limiting to consumers.&nbsp;</p><p>Another thing that impressed me a lot was Xbox's new method of searching across all the content channels. By saying, "Xbox, Bing, Star Trek," to the Kinect, I could instantly see every instance of <em>Star Trek</em> movies and TV shows available to stream. Then I could filter the results (say, just to movies), and when I found the movies I wanted, I could see all my options to rent it, buy it, or watch it for free on a service I already pay for. Brilliant, and <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/features/how_cut_out_cable_once_and_all" target="_blank">just what I wished for when writing this article</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>We've previously discussed using your Mac to watch web content on your TV -- it's one of the reasons <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/features/what_we_know_about_os_x_mountain_lion_so_far" target="_blank">we're stoked about AirPlay mirroring of a Mac to an Apple TV, coming with Mountain Lion</a> -- but the Xbox will soon have Internet Explorer built in, handy for web apps that aren't yet available as dedicated Xbox apps -- in the demo, the example was Pandora, which worked great running in the browser. You can navigate with the Kinect or use your tablet or smartphone running the SmartGlass app -- the touchscreen works perfectly as a trackpad and input device, as we've seen with Apple's Remote app.</p><p>And of course, don't forget that <a href="http://www.gamesradar.com/halo-4-multiplayer-preview-hands-shooters-next-evolution/" target="_blank">the Xbox can play Halo too</a>. Your move, Apple TV.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/e3_2012_why_xboxs_announcements_matter_apple_fans#commentsNewsApple TVE3 2012Home EntertainmentiTVMicrosoftXboxXbox 360Xbox LIVEiPadiPhoneMacGamesFri, 08 Jun 2012 21:30:27 +0000Susie Ochs14277 at http://www.maclife.comValve Announces Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Coming August 21http://www.maclife.com/article/news/valve_announces_counterstrike_global_offensive_coming_august_21
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/counter-strike_global_offensive_200px.png" alt="Counter-Strike: Global Offensive" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />The E3 show kicks off Tuesday in Los Angeles, but game companies are already hard at work pushing their wares ahead of the big kick-off. Among them is Valve, who has announced a new chapter in the <em>Counter-Strike</em> saga coming later this summer.<br /><br /><a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/1800/" target="_blank">Valve Software has announced <em>Counter-Strike: Global Offensive</em></a> (CS:GO), the company’s latest chapter in the team-based action gameplay title pioneered with the original <em>Counter-Strike</em> beta almost 13 years ago.<br /><br />Available on August 21 through the Playstation Network, Xbox Live Arcade and Steam for Mac or PC, CS:GO features new maps, characters, and weapons and delivers updated versions of the classic CS content (de_dust, etc.). In addition, CS: GO introduces new gameplay modes, matchmaking, leader boards, and more.<br /><br />"<em>Counter-Strike</em> took the gaming industry by surprise when the unlikely MOD became the most played online PC action game in the world almost immediately after its release in August 1999," said Doug Lombardi at Valve. "For the past 12 years, it has continued to be one of the most-played games in the world, headline competitive gaming tournaments and selling over 25 million units worldwide across the franchise. CS: GO promises to expand on CS' award-winning gameplay and deliver it to gamers on the PC as well as the next-gen consoles and the Mac."<br /><br />CS:GO was developed by Valve in cooperation with Seattle-based Hidden Path Entertainment, and E3 2012 attendees will get a chance to play a preview version this week in the Sony and Microsoft booths. The title is expected to sell for approximately $15 on all platforms when it launches August 21, 2012.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author,<a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank"> J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em><br /><br /></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/valve_announces_counterstrike_global_offensive_coming_august_21#commentsNewsAugustCounter-StrikeCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveE3 2012mac gamingPlayStation 3SteamValveXbox LIVEMacMon, 04 Jun 2012 17:48:36 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14221 at http://www.maclife.comMy Xbox Live Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/my_xbox_live_review
<!--paging_filter--><p>Far be it from us to question Microsoft’s unexpected decision to cross-pollinate its Xbox gaming brand with iOS, but if you’ve ever wanted instant access to your Xbox Live account from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, the aptly-named My Xbox Live does exactly that.</p><p>As you might expect, the app itself is a pretty straightforward affair. After logging in to your Live account, the interface becomes a portable version of the Xbox 360 console Dashboard, offering news and personal updates, such as messages. And interestingly enough, My Xbox Live also has far fewer ads than you’ll find in the latest Xbox 360 interface.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2012/Online/echsbachs.jpg" width="620" height="450" /></p><p>It’s the personal interactions that make this app worthwhile for avid Xbox Live players. Want to see which of your friends are online, and what they’re playing? You can do that. You can also change your avatar’s look -- they appear as animatedly cartoonish as they do on the console -- and customize various other details about your profile. Essentially, My Xbox Live lets you do everything you can do on your Xbox 360; well, except actually play and download games.</p><p>Beacons are a new social feature that helps My Xbox Live stay relevant as more than just a passive on-the-go app, and they let you rifle through your at-home game collection and send flares out for games you want to play. So, if you’re itching to tear into some Gears of War 3 co-op with a pal, you can send out a beacon to your Live friends, and you’ll be notified when someone else wants to squad up. It's a little superfluous, sure, but it works.</p><p><strong>The bottom line. </strong>My Xbox Live is a handy, if somewhat unneeded app; but its slick aesthetic and ease of use will please hardcore Live users. Besides, in the era of social media, why wouldn’t you want one more way to stay connected?</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fmy-xbox-live%252Fid480914036%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30" target="_blank">My Xbox Live</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Microsoft </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://xbox.com" target="_blank">xbox.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
&lt;a href=&quot;http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fmy-xbox-live%252Fid480914036%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Free&lt;/a&gt; </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 4.3 or later</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Slick minimalist style and design. Very easy to use. Capitalizes on social media aspects of Xbox Live service.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Can't access Xbox Live Marketplace to buy avatar items or add virtual currency to your account. No notification services for messages.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/my_xbox_live_review#commentsReviewsapp store reviewsAppLifeAppsiPod and iPhoneMicrosoftMy Xbox LiveSoftwareXbox 360Xbox LIVEiPadiPhoneiPodFri, 16 Dec 2011 16:11:56 +0000Steve Haske12936 at http://www.maclife.comWednesday Recap: An App-tacular Trio of Updates, iPad 3 Rumors, iMac TV?http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_apptacular_trio_updates_ipad_3_rumors_imac_tv
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/flipboard_for_iphone_200px.jpg" alt="Flipboard for iPhone" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Today marks 70 years since the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the catalyst for America leaping into World War Two. A rather somber day of remembrance for many of us, but the tech world isn’t about to stop, with no less than three major App Store events on top of a couple of juicy Apple product rumors as well. Let’s have a moment of silence for the 2,403 lost on that fateful day, then dive into what’s making tech news on this Wednesday, December 7, 2011.</p><h3>Flipboard Flips Onto iPhone with Universal Update</h3><p>We’re quite used to seeing iPhone/iPod touch apps go universal and add native iPad support, but more and more we’re starting to see the reverse take place. Case in point: A new version 1.7 update to formerly iPad-only “personalized magazine” reader <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fflipboard%252Fid358801284%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Flipboard" target="_blank">Flipboard</a>, which brings all the fun into the palm of your hand by adding iPhone and iPod touch compatibility. The free update also includes a new Cover Stories mode for the iPhone, which selects interesting articles and photos “and it gets smarter every time you use it.” (The feature is promised as “coming soon” to the iPad.) The app also boasts some significant speed increases and Flipboard accounts will help keep your favorites synced between devices. And hey, it <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/flipboard/status/144439680581107713" target="_blank">even got a nod of approval from Apple VP Phil Schiller on Twitter earlier today</a>, which caused a surge of traffic that <a href="http://inside.flipboard.com/2011/12/07/the-power-of-flipboard-in-your-pocket/" target="_blank">immediately collapsed the whole deck of cards</a>. Things are getting back to normal, so grab that iPhone 3GS/third-geniPod touch or higher and install -- but make sure you have iOS 4.0 or later first.</p><h3>Report: What If the Next Apple TV Is Just An iMac?</h3><p><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericsavitz/2011/12/07/apple-will-next-gen-imac-have-apple-tv-built-in/" target="_blank">Forbes is reporting</a> on some next-generation Apple television speculation which just so happens to line up with one of our predictions many moons ago. According to Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair, the next version of the iMac coming in 2012 may actually include current Apple TV technology as well as traditional television features. The analyst theorizes “pushing the largest screen sizes of the iMac toward the TV market by integrating Apple TV and iCloud features into a slimmer all-in-one PC with TV capabilities” might be just the ticket. Of course, Apple would have to expand the screens well beyond the maximum of 27 inches we currently enjoy before anyone would be interested, but it’s an intriguing concept. Wouldn’t it be funny if all this speculation lately about an Apple television was simply a new iMac with a TV inside…?</p><h3>Microsoft Releases My Xbox LIVE iOS App</h3><p>Game-crazy iOS device owners just got a little love from Microsoft, courtesy of the new <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fmy-xbox-live%252Fid480914036%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;My Xbox LIVE" target="_blank">My Xbox LIVE</a> app. The free, universal 17.4MB download just hit the App Store today and promises to “take your Xbox LIVE experience wherever you go.” Among the app’s many talents is the ability to track and compare achievements, connect with Xbox LIVE friends, change up your 3D Avatar, review recent games and of course, jump into the games hub to learn about the latest LIVE games and apps. If that’s not enough, the app also promises to “access Xbox Spotlight feeds, get breaking news from Xbox LIVE, game tips and tricks, gamer spotlight and much more.” So what are you waiting for?</p><h3>Rumor: iPad 3 “Slightly Thicker” with Same Screen Size</h3><p>No real revelations here, but <a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/12/07/apples_ipad_3_will_be_slightly_thicker_with_same_screen_size_rumor.html" target="_blank">AppleInsider is reporting</a> that the next iPad will be “slightly thicker” than the iPad 2 while retaining the same 9.7-inch screen size as well as support for its Magnetic Cover. <a href="http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/index.php?ID=15024" target="_blank">According to Macotakara</a>, the reason for the thicker model is unknown, but it’s widely expected that Apple will introduce some form of Retina Display into the next model, which likely requires a little bit more breathing room inside. That decision will likely cause some chaos for third-party case manufacturers who create products to cover the back of the iPad, which is said to retain “the same rounded side as the iPad 2.”</p><h3>iBooks Gets a Late-Night Update for Nighttime Reading</h3><p>If you happened to be up late on Tuesday night, you might have seen an update to <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fibooks%252Fid364709193%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;iBooks" target="_blank">iBooks</a> pop up in the App Store, bringing Apple’s e-book reader and storefront to version 1.5. So what does the free, universal 20.7MB update include? Glad you asked. Late-night readers will be pleased to hear that a nighttime reading theme is now included to make “reading books in the dark easier on the eyes,” with a full-screen layout lets you focus on the words without the distraction of those pretty graphics. iBooks now features an improved selection of fonts along with “beautiful new classic covers for public domain books” and “a redesigned annotation palette” which claims to make it easier to choose a text highlighting color. It all works for us!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_apptacular_trio_updates_ipad_3_rumors_imac_tv#commentsNewsApp StoreApple TVdaily recapFlipboardibooksiMaciPad 3MicrosofttelevisionsupdatesXbox LIVEiPhoneMacWed, 07 Dec 2011 23:16:32 +0000J.R. Bookwalter12910 at http://www.maclife.com